Press Room

Tourism to the Greater Champaign County Area Contributing to Robust Economic Growth in Illinois

The Illinois Office of Tourism announced both international and domestic travel expenditures reached $39.5 billion in 2017 which is a $1.1 billion boost to the state’s economy since 2016. Visitors to the state hit an all time high in 2017 with an additional 1.6 million travelers from 2016 contributing to an increase of visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs.

The greater Champaign County area played a role in the state’s added economic domestic growth, with $404.47 million in travel expenditures (a 6.4% increase) and $7.4 million in local tax revenue (a 7.2% increase). As a result of spending, more than 6,000 new jobs were created across the state in 2017, of which 150 in the greater Champaign County area. This brings the total to 3,140 jobs supported by travel and tourism.

“Illinois is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a new experience – whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a scenic road trip, incredible nightlife, or a family-friendly activity – there truly is something for everybody,” said Cory Jobe, director of Illinois Tourism. “The added boost in state and local tax revenue is a testament to the continued impact that tourism continues to have on Illinois.”

“With visitor growth moving upward, the greater Champaign County area residents will have a lot to look forward to as work continues to develop the region,” says Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County.

“Numerous events and attractions contribute to the growth in our area—our title of Midwest Living’s Greatest Midwest Food Town, the addition of Restaurant Week, increased group tours to our Outside of Ordinary attractions, new sporting events such as the Illinois State Women’s Bowling Tournament and the American Cornhole Organization Midwest Championships, hosting the Hot Rod Power Tour, as well as continued sales in meetings and conventions. Long standing events such as the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival, IHSA State Wrestling, Pygmalion, and Ebertfest continue to bring in visitors from around the country.”

Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2017:

Every $1 invested in Illinois tourism generates $9 in economic impact for the state

Illinois welcomed 111 million domestic visitors

Of Illinois’ 111 million domestic visitors, 17% were for business and 83% for leisure

In the past 10 years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 23 million visitors

The visitor expenditures generated by domestic visitors supported 308,490 jobs in 2017 which is an increase of 6,040 jobs since 2016

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.

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